Contents

The Maryland Bulletin
The Maryland Bulletin
Volume CXXXVI, No. 1
Fall 2015
Table of
Maryland School for the Deaf—www.msd.edu
Contents
Editor
James E. Tucker
james.tucker@msd.edu
Managing Editor &
Graphic Designer
Larry Newman
larry.newman@msd.edu
Columbia Campus Liaison
Shannon Negussie
shannon.negussie@msd.edu
Frederick Campus Liaison
Lisa Pershan
lisa.pershan@msd.edu
Copy Editor
Nan Cronk-Walker
1 Nyle DiMarco is America’s Next Top Model!
2 Nyle DiMarco’s MSD Visit
4 Nine Things You Might Not Know About Children Who Are Deaf
5 MSD Board of Trustees, 2015-2016
6 MSD’s Faupel Performing Arts Club’s Annual Roadshow
8 Around MSD
17 The Junior Bulletin
19 Sportscope
27 Alumni and Community News
29 MSD Flashback — Porch Lamps Installed in the Bjorlee Museum
30 Alumni Profile — Sean Clyde Markel (MSD, E-1985)
32 Roster—MSD Board of Trustees/Administration/Faculty/Staff
ON THE COVER
2007 MSD alumnus and America’s Next Top Model winner, Nyle DiMarco, poses with excited
and proud MSD students.
The Maryland Bulletin
(USPS 331-660) is
published three times a year.
Subscription price is $10.00
per year by Maryland School
for the Deaf, 101 Clarke
Place, Frederick, MD 21705-
0250. Readers: Send address
changes to The Maryland
Bulletin, 101 Clarke Place,
Frederick, MD 21705-0250.
FREDERICK CAMPUS (MSD-FC)
101 Clarke Place, P.O. Box 250
Frederick, Maryland 21705-0250
(301) 360-2000 (Voice) • (301) 360-2001 (TTY)
(240) 575-2966 (Videophone/Voice)
(301) 360-1400 (Fax)
frederick@msd.edu
COLUMBIA CAMPUS (MSD-CC)
Route 108 & Old Montgomery Rd., P.O. Box 894
Columbia, Maryland 21044-0894
(410) 480-4500 (Voice) • (410)-480-4501 (TTY)
(240) 575-2966 (Videophone/Voice)
(410) 480-4506 (Fax)
columbia@msd.edu
THE MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, mental or
physical disability, national origin, political affiliation, belief or opinion, race, religious affiliation, sex, or sexual orientation in matters affecting program,
activities, or employment practices. Questions regarding this policy in terms of employment may be directed to Anny Currin, Director of Personnel
(301) 360-2029 or anny.currin@msd.edu. Questions regarding the school program may be directed to Stacey Bundy, Compliance Officer and Title
IX Coordinator (301) 360-2032 (voice), (240) 575-2983 (videophone) or stacey.bundy@msd.edu. Both may be reached at the Maryland School for
the Deaf, 101 Clarke Place, P.O. Box 250, Frederick, Maryland 21705-0250.

James E. Tucker, Superintendent, james.tucker@msd.edu
Nyle DiMarco is America’s Next Top Model!
MSD alumnus Nyle DiMarco
(Class of 2007) recently came
in first place in the America’s Next
Top Model (ANTM) reality show competition on
The CW Network, featuring an elimination format
of aspiring models. Nyle’s victory netted him a
$100,000 prize and several modeling contracts.
Superintendent James E. Tucker interviewed Nyle
via FaceTime on December 8, 2015 just before he
left Los Angeles for Asia for modeling gigs. His
website is www.nyledimarco.com
JET: Congratulations, Nyle! You have taken the
country by storm! You have done everyone here
at MSD proud! What were your traits that you felt
helped you win the ANTM competition?
ND: Thank you. I felt I was resilient. The competition
during the ANTM show was fierce, and I needed to always
be strong and ready to bounce back after every situation.
I felt I was adaptive too as I was able to be flexible, and
successfully adjusted to different situations. I also am
a great listener!
JET: You had a great rapport with the show’s
photographer, Yu Tsai. He loved you and he loved how
you listened. You have an open mind and an open heart!
ND: Yes. Yu and I bonded very well, and he said he
enjoyed my ability to listen and learn.
JET: Many of us at MSD remember you well when
you moved here as a seventh grader from the Texas
School for the Deaf. I remember you as a “good kid” as
well as a “skinny kid”. Tell us about your
MSD experience.
ND: (laughing) Yes, I was only 5’10”
and weighed 155 pounds as a high school
senior. But I was a late bloomer. I am now
6’2” and weigh 190 pounds. I remember
MSD teachers always challenging me to
do better. This is so similar to Tyra Banks,
Yu, and others at ANTM challenging me
to do better during modeling shoots. At
MSD, there was a lot of competition among
peers. I remember wanting to be in Scott
Lehmann’s class as I wanted to compete
against him! At MSD, the prevailing attitude
on campus is the “can do” attitude. MSD
gave me my solid foundation, and I was
able to soar after MSD!
JET: During the show, you spoke about
the social isolation living in the large house
where all the models lived. Now looking back,
what does that experience mean for you?
Superintendent Tucker
interviews Nyle DiMarco
via FaceTime.
ND: I have always lived in the Deaf Community. I
am a fourth generation Deaf individual. And, now I am
very appreciative that my home is the Deaf Community. I
want to give back to the Deaf Community by advocating
for early language acquisition for Deaf children. I work
hard in the modeling world, and then I come home to my
Deaf family and friends. I live in two worlds. Each one of
us must get out of our comfort zone from time to time.
JET: Where do you live now?
ND: I live in New York City now. I now have an agent
and will soon have a contract with a modeling agency.
JET: What about Los Angeles?
ND: I starred in the Switched at Birth TV show in
Season 3 and Season 4. The Season 5 script is now being
written and if I continue to be part of the show, then I
will live in both NYC and LA.
JET: Do you see yourself as a model or
an actor or both in your future?
ND: I truly hope to do both. Being a
model, my “deafness” is not a factor at all.
Whereas, as an actor, there are few roles
open to Deaf actors.
JET: I know you need to go in a few
minutes to do a TV interview. What would
you like to say to our MSD students? Words
of wisdom from you?
ND: Life is not easy. Life is not “a walk
in the park”. Be friends with everybody.
You never know who you will work with
in the future.
JET: Have a wonderful and safe trip to
Asia. You are an inspiration to all of us here.
We here look forward to your next steps and
to following your career path!
ND: Thank you. MB
The CW Network
www.msd.edu
1

Nyle DiMarco’s MSD Visit
Lori Bonheyo, Dean of Student Affairs, FC
On October 23, Nyle DiMarco,
MSD graduate (Class of 2007),
visited his alma mater and
spoke with students at the Ely auditorium
about his experiences being
on TV, first as an actor on Switched
at Birth and second as a model on the
reality show America’s Next Top Model
(ANTM). He went on to explain the
importance of being careful what one
posts on social media and advised students
to keep their comments positive
and not to bully others or post unnecessary
pictures as potential employers
are able to look back on past postings.
He credits his present position in part
to his use of Facebook and Instagram
to set a good example.
After Nyle’s presentation, students
from different grades came up on the
stage to ask questions. He then took
time to pose for pictures with each
class. Students and staff alike raved
about their time with Nyle and how
impressed they were with his intelligent,
charming, and warm personality;
he remains very modest in spite of his
recent fame. MSD is very proud of him
and his accomplishments.
Students were eager to share their
thoughts:
5 th grade student:
It was such an honor for Nyle to
come visit us at MSD Elementary. We
loved that he let his dog pick which TV
show to join. His presentation inspired
us and showed us that the Deaf
CAN do anything! He was courageous
to join ANTM, and we
hope he wins. Good luck, Nyle!
Middle School student:
When Nyle talked about social
media, I finally understood
Nyle enjoys a group hug with
Elementary students.
Nyle watches attentively while Ava
Williamson asks a question. Note
her shirt bearing Nyle’s likeness.
Jarrelle Brooks shares a picture with Nyle,
showing off the letter N, which is Nyle’s sign name.
Nyle smiles as he signs how proud
he is to be an MSD alumnus.
Lori Bonheyo (r) talks with Nyle
before he is interviewed by students for social media.
2 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

why we need to be careful about what
we post online for others to see. Often,
people tell me to be careful, but I never
heard specific reasons. If we want to
have good a reputation, we need to
behave online.
Middle School student:
I loved that Nyle encouraged us to
socialize appropriately online because
adults always tell us to not be online or
to put anything online. He sent a different
message and encouraged us to be
social online but in a responsible way.
Middle School student:
I love that Nyle is supportive of our
deaf community and our school. My
classmates and I learned a lot about
him and his background.
Middle School student:
He is cool!
High School student:
Nyle’s presentation was great—a
very positive experience for us to see
someone who is so successful. Nyle
explained to us how important social
media is; it really hit home to many
students who had not realized how big a
role it can play in our futures. He did a
great job answering students’ questions.
I was very impressed with him, and it
was great to have him here to give us
some wise advice.
High School student:
I was impressed with Nyle’s presentation.
Nyle explained to everyone how the
use or misuse of social media can lead
to a successful or problem-filled life. He
was full of positive energy and answered
all of our questions. He shared his personal
experiences in life. His message was
very educational and inspiring. It was
definitely worth it to see his presentation,
and it was great to have him here. MB
Change, Challenge, and Opportunity in Student Life!
In June 2015, Student Life staff from both Columbia
and Frederick campuses went to the Texas School for
the Deaf (TSD) in Austin for the National Student Life
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Conference. The theme
of this week-long conference was “Change, Challenge,
and Opportunity.” There were a total of 130 attendees
representing twenty-one schools for the deaf nationwide.
TSD’s campus was impressive. During their stay, the
staff slept in campus dorms and attended a variety of
workshops covering a broad range of student life topics.
Presenters were from a variety of schools including
Gallaudet University. Every evening, conference attendees
were able to go downtown with staff from other schools.
At the end of the week, everyone felt enriched from the
conference experience and was eager to make changes at
their own schools. The next conference will take place at
the Oregon School for the Deaf in 2017.
Not long after the conference, Student Life staff returned
to work to prepare for the new school year. They
were met with the challenge of filling out applications
and studying for an exam to meet new certification requirements
from the Department of Human Resources.
MSD is thrilled to report that everyone passed the exam!
The official title for Student Life staff members is now
“Residential Child and Youth Care Professional.”
While titles underwent changes, so did the dormitories.
The Baker Building at MSD-Columbia Campus
freshened up its look over the summer: new shades for
all windows, new carpet in the girls’ wing, new 60-inch
TVs, and new couches in the girls’ and boys’ wings and
Orioles Center. MSD students are very happy with the
changes and feel at home! MB
—Linda Stoltz,
Director of Student Life, CC, linda.stoltz@msd.edu
Conference delegates take a break from workshops for a group photo in Austin, Texas.
www.msd.edu
3

Nine Things You Might Not Know
About Children Who Are Deaf
Sharon Clark is a mother of Sarah, an MSD student
My daughter Sarah, who
is 4 years old, was born
profoundly Deaf. She
communicates using American Sign
Language, but is also a typically
developing toddler who does the
same kinds of things that all toddlers
do. Throughout the past four years
I have learned that there are some
misconceptions about Deaf children,
so I’ve put together this list to help
people understand Sarah and other
children like her.
It is important to mention that no
two children or families are alike, and
what might be true for Sarah might not
be accurate for another child who is
Deaf. I hope the following points will
allow you to get a glimpse into our
world, which in many ways probably
looks quite similar to yours.
1. Sarah is a “normal” 4-year-old.
Sarah loves going to the playground,
visiting the B and O Train Museum,
swimming and camping with her
daddy, visiting her aunt in New York
City, and seeing all of her grandparents.
When asked what her favorite foods
are, she says that candy and ice cream
are tied for that distinction. She is
opinionated, empathic, loving, and very
curious about the world around her.
Sarah loves to read and write and jump
and run. Do you know a toddler who
has similar attributes? You probably do.
2. Terminology Matters.
“Deaf” or “hard of hearing”? It
took a long time for us to understand
the various terms and we are still
learning. According to researcher
Mark Marschark, “Most commonly
‘Deaf’ is used as an adjective, referring
to deaf people who see themselves as
part of a community bound together
by a common culture and, most often,
a common language—ASL.” However,
the uncapitalized form of “deaf” is now
mainly used to refer only to a lack of
hearing. Many deaf people actually
don’t like the term “deafness” because
it has a connotation of pathology.
What’s more, Sarah does not have a
“hearing impairment.” This term is still
sometimes used but as the online guide
Resources for Mainstream Programs
explains, “Many individuals dislike the
term ‘hearing impairment’ because it
describes deaf people based on what
they cannot do.”
The current terms in use by the
deaf community today are deaf and
hard of hearing.
3. Sarah doesn’t need to be “fixed.”
Every once in a while, when our
family tells someone that Sarah is
Deaf, the response will be, “I am sorry.”
There is no reason to be sorry. Sarah is
perfect as she is and does not need to
be changed in any way. Every person
has something—or many things—that
make them unique. Sarah isn’t losing or
missing out on anything. The majority of
society might be hearing, but that doesn’t
mean that hearing people are smarter,
happier, leading more productive
lives, falling in love easier, or are more
intelligent than Deaf or HOH people.
4. Not all Deaf people wear
hearing aids.
Sarah Clark, 4-year-old
Pre-kindergartner at MSD
Some people who are Deaf wear
hearing aids but they aren’t appropriate
or necessary for all people who are Deaf
or hard of hearing. When Sarah was
born she was fitted for hearing aids and
wore them for several months until we
found out that her cochleae were not
fully formed and that she didn’t have
an auditory nerve, so the hearing aids
were not beneficial to her.
5. American Sign Language is her
language.
Your child might communicate
in English or Hebrew. Sarah
communicates in American Sign
Language. Everyone is Sarah’s life
communicates with her—and around
her—in ASL. Sarah also attends the
Maryland School for the Deaf in
Columbia, MD, and is taught by Deaf
teachers and highly proficient hearing
teachers. Sarah has babysitters who
communicate with her in ASL and
we also make sure that Sarah has an
interpreter when she attends events,
like Shabbat get-togethers in our
community and soccer lessons.
6. Sarah can read and write.
You might ask how this can happen
if Sarah doesn’t hear words on the
page in front of her. Well, there are
various practices, which have been
4 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

identified based on research examining deaf parents and
deaf teachers reading to their deaf children. Some include
keeping both English and ASL visible so the book is placed
in front of her and she can see parents/teachers/friends
signing and the book at the same time. Discussing in depth
the illustrations of the story also helps connect concepts
in the story to the real world.
7. She can’t read lips…yet.
Many people ask if Sarah reads lips. Speech reading is
a skill that she will develop over time. Though Sarah will
learn this skill, research also indicates that approximately
only 30% (or less) of what the speaker says can be accessed
through lip reading.
8. Sarah contains multiple identities, just like
everyone else.
Sarah cannot be categorized or neatly explained by
labels or terminology—no person can. Sarah is Deaf but
she is also a Jewish American and even those terms do
not begin to explain her identity. At 4 years old, Sarah’s
identity is perpetually evolving.
9. Sarah’s deafness makes our family special.
Though adapting to a new culture, learning a different
language, and having a different life from the one we
might have envisioned is challenging at times, it has also
given us so much beauty. We have been exposed to things
that we never would have known existed and we have the
opportunity to teach and learn from other people.
I believe that the universe is looking out for us. I cannot
even count the times when I have walked somewhere
with my daughter and connected with someone who
knows sign language for various reasons, who has some
connection to our world. That is a blessing. I am forever
grateful because I know that my daughter has given us
what we didn’t know we always needed. MB
Reprinted from Kveller.com with permission from
Ms. Clark. According to Kveller.com, “...She has a BS in
Journalism, a Master’s in Reading Education and for the
past four years she has worked with organizations and
local synagogues in Baltimore to create programming
to unite hearing and Deaf families in Maryland. Last
year she won a $1,000 Make It Happen Grant from the
Schusterman Foundation and over 100 Deaf and Hearing
program joined together for a meaningful Hanukkah
program. Sharon will continue to write about her daughter
for this magazine.”
MSD Board of Trustees
2015-2016
TOP (L-R) Robin Kittleman; Dr. Sheryl Cooper; Dr. John Ertel; Dr. Cynthia Neese-Bailes; Stephen Hlibok; Dr. Jennifer
Smart; Dr. Robert Davila FRONT Dr. Ricardo Hernandez; Debra Patkin, Esquire; Dr. Dennis Galvan, Treasurer; David Martin,
President; Julie Bourne, Vice-President; Denise Perdue NOT PICTURED Roslyn Hannibal-Booker, Secretary; Dr. Ben Bahan
www.msd.edu
5

MSD’s Faupel Performing Arts Club’s Annual Roadshow
Jessica Willoughby, Director, jessica.willoughby@msd.edu
MSD’s dream of having a Faupel
Performing Arts Club high school
roadshow became reality when drama
teacher Jessica Willoughby met with
Superintendent James E. Tucker in
the spring of 2014 to discuss upcoming
productions. At that meeting, Mr.
Tucker expressed his wish for an MSD
touring troupe including everything
from costumes to props to a portable,
traveling stage set. Mr. Tucker was convinced
that MSD could build bridges
with many public schools that have deaf
programs as well as universities with
ASL programs around the DC metro
area by way of a roadshow.
As her first roadshow production,
Jessica chose Aladdin & The Wonderful
Lamp. Several obstacles became immediately
evident including designing
a set that could fold down and fit into
a cargo van. The roadshow team had
to be limited to sixteen members to
fit into the MSD bus. With ten actors,
three crewmembers, two stage readers,
and the director, Jessica, the team
travelled to four different schools and
one university in less than three weeks.
The roadshow was an enormous success.
When the time came to direct
another roadshow this fall, Jessica
decided to cast a smaller group of actors,
build a simpler set, and perform at
seven venues instead of five. Wanting
to challenge her amazingly talented
actors, Jessica cast only six actors, two
of whom (Jennida Willoughby and
Anna Wood-Jacobowitz) performed
more than fifteen characters by wearing
different wigs, hats, mustaches,
and jackets. It was a hefty job but a
hilarious challenge for both juniors.
The roadshow performed at seven
different places this year: Kendall
Demonstration Elementary School
(DC), Gallaudet University (DC), Silver
Spring Deaf Senior Citizen Center,
MSD-Columbia, Walkersville High
School, and Rockville High School.
TOP (L-R) Tomi Lisoyi, Crew; Jihad Johnson, Stage Manager; Rodney Buford, Stage Reader & Passepartout Understudy;
Taylor Gary, Stage Reader; Donna Vogeler, Costume Designer; Betty Rewolinski, Costume Designer; Idongesit Mark, Crew;
Dana Brooks, Crew; BOTTOM Seanna Guettler, Light Operator; Anna Wood-Jacobowitz, Actor #2; Caroline De La Cruz,
Detective Fix; Femi Alabi, Passepartout; Jessica Willoughby, Director; Maverick Obermiller, Phileas Fogg; Gillian Lawrence,
Princess Aouda; Jennida Willoughby, Actor #1 NOT PICTURED Jane Nowalski, Box Office Manger; Cameron Overs, Set
Constructor; Construction Technology class, Set Constructors; Carlisle Robinson, Set Animator; Hilary Rosko, Box Office
Manager; Allison Tyeryar, Stage Reader
6 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Mr. Fogg’s former servant warns the new servant, Passepartout,
with a long list of Mr. Fogg’s long and high demands like he
must prepare Mr. Fogg’s toast and tea at 8:23 a.m. and fill up
shaving water at 9:40 p.m.
This year’s roadshow was called Around the World in
80 Days, a tale about Phileas Fogg (performed by Maverick
Obermiller), a proud Londoner who agrees to an outrageous
wager with members of his Reform Club which risks both
his fortune and his life. With his new servant, Passepartout
(Femi Alabi and Rodney Burford), Fogg sets out to circle
the globe in an unheard-of eighty days. At the same time,
Detective Fix (Caroline De La Cruz), an “expert” detective,
chases Phileas because he thinks he is the robber who stole
fifty thousand pounds from the Bank of England a few days
previous. During the journey, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout
face danger with shoe-stealing priests, a rabbling British
Consul, a life-threatening romance with Princess Aouda
(Gillian Lawrence), several encounters with Mr. Know-
Everything Francis, a gunfight in which someone shoots
someone else’s foot, and many more comic surprises.
To put the show together, Jessica worked closely with Cam
Overs and his CTE Construction Technology class. In order
to introduce scenes by displaying images on a large screen,
Jessica asked the CTE students to construct a large white
After Mr. Fogg rescues Princess Aouda from a human sacrifice
ritual, they face much more obstacles on their trip such as
surviving a hot air balloon ride through a hurricane.
fabric screen behind which a projector was set up coloring
the screen with animated images drawn by deaf cartoonist
Carlisle Robinson. The animations were filled with a globe
with a red traveling dotted line around the map, a jungle
with a walking elephant, a hot air balloon zigzagging in a
storm, a train robbed by cowboy bandits, and more. The
CTE students also made versatile wooden boxes which could
change into three Reform Club chairs, a hot air balloon, a
train car, or a desk for the Director of Police. Audiences
loved the concept of a flexible, imaginative set.
A traveling roadshow reaches out to many schools and
exposes the public to the Maryland School for the Deaf
and American Sign Language. It was a wonderful and
unforgettable experience for MSD drama students; they
learned many things such as how to adjust their blocking
with different stage sizes and how to adjust the size of their
signs depending the size of the house.
Jessica is thankful for MSD’s amazing staff and parents
and their incredible support. She is looking forward to new
challenges and future productions. MB 7
A nosy British Consul from Suez, Egypt disagrees with Detective
Fix saying that Mr. Fogg is not the bank robber who stole 50
thousand pounds from the Bank of England
In this scene, Jennida Willoughby and Anna Wood-Jacobowitz,
who switched more than 15 characters in the play, personate
as train conductors and drive Mr. Fogg across America.
www.msd.edu

Around MSD
PBIS Comes to the Columbia Campus
Maryland Maryland School for the Deaf-Columbia
Campus is embarking on a several-year journey to
become a Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and
Supports (PBIS) School. To begin the process, the school
developed a Core Team of four staff members to guide the
school in implementing PBIS protocols. Led by Karin Polzin,
Mental Health Team Coordinator; along with Roberta Lynn
Daniels, Elementary Assistant Principal; Dr. Joseph Smail,
School Psychologist; and Michelle Holly, Elementary Teacher;
the team assembled in July for a two-day Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE) training to begin the
process of implementing PBIS on campus beginning with
the elementary department. In order to achieve Tier 1 PBIS
status, schools are required to collect and use data to drive
change and support student success. The goal is to help students
achieve their academic, social emotional, and behavioral
potential by providing them with clear expectations, supports,
and positive recognition using evidence-based strategies.
To achieve this goal, the MSD team developed three
school rules, which now apply to all elementary school
students in all campus settings. Ask any student in the
elementary department, and he or she will tell you that
MSD Orioles show “Respect, Responsibility, and Safety.”
In addition to establishing department-wide rules, the
Columbia Campus is also taking a more holistic approach
to address the shift in culture. Staff and administration
recognize that when they model the behaviors they want
to see in students, there is a trickle-down effect. The staff
is excited to continue the great things that have been happening
on the Columbia Campus, while finding
additional ways to support and recognize both
staff and students.
PBIS Highlights:
throughout the building, and they are reviewed regularly
with students through role playing and lessons
with the mental health team staff, including lessons
that connect to literacy and the curriculum.
• Instructional and support staff are encouraged to recognize
one another for helping to make the Columbia
Campus a great place to work by filling out small notes
and placing them in mailboxes.
• A bulletin board was created in the Steiner building
where students who demonstrate a character trait of
the month are highlighted.
• Staff members participated in professional development
activities where they practiced restating negative comments,
rephrasing them so that the tone and message
are positive. Now as you walk around campus, you
will see staff members asking students to “walk safely”
instead of “stop running.”
While this is only the beginning of the PBIS process, the
students and staff are working together, and great things
are happening on the Columbia Campus.
To learn more about PBIS, visit https://www.pbis.org/,
and for more information about PBIS in Maryland, please
visit http://www.pbismaryland.org/.
—Michelle Holly,
Second Grade Teacher, CC, michelle.holly@msd.edu
Dr. Joseph Smail,
School Psychologist, CC, joseph.smail@msd.edu
• In September, instructional and support
staff collaborated to identify “hot spots” or
areas on campus where students may require
additional support in order to be successful
(e.g., hallways, cafeteria, bus, and sidewalk).
Afterwards, each class rotated to various hot
spots to review expectations and practice
following the rules. As students visited each
area, they saw how responsibility in the hallway
may look similar to or different from
how they are expected to show responsibility
in the cafeteria. Upon completion of each
activity, students received a stamp in their
PBIS Outstanding Oriole passport. These
expectations are posted in classrooms and
Kindergarten students walk safely in line as they return from their PBIS
training where they learned behavior expectations on a school bus.
Pictured, Left to Right: James Dale, Franchesca Avila, Emmanuela Debrah,
MacKenzie Johnson, Adam Cevilla, and Caitlyn Reyes.
8 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Last summer, art teachers from all
over the United States flocked to
the California School for the Deaf-
Fremont to participate in a weeklong
Innovative Deaf View/Image
Art workshop (De’VIA). Bonnie
Arnold, who teaches elementary art
classes at MSD-Frederick, was one
of the seventeen De’VIA artists and
De’VIA Art
participants who gathered with the
goal of developing an art curriculum,
lesson plans, and activities which will
bring De’VIA art into classrooms. The
workshop included activities such as
ASL action hand painting in the style
of Jackson Pollock, ASL hand sculpture
in the style of Chuck Baird, and a
Cubist ASL kitchen table conversation
Around MSD
in the style of Pablo Picasso. The week
was capped with an activity which
illustrated a De’VIA Deaf experience
using encaustic (hot wax) painting.
Bonnie returned energized and ready
to implement De’VIA art projects in
her classroom.
—Sue Hill, Elementary Assistant
Principal, FC, sue.hill@msd.edu
De’VIA artists completing their art projects
(L - R) Bonnie Arnold, art teacher at MSD and David Call, art
teacher at CSD-Fremont, who organized the De’VIA workshop.
Veditz Building in Pencil
Graphite pencil drawings (hard to soft lead) of the Veditz building by Drawing and Painting class students
Jiang McConville, 11 th grade
Juan DeLaCruz, 9 th grade
www.msd.edu
9

“United”
Jamal Johnson, 8 th Grade
“I Can!”
Peter Thang, 8 th Grade
“Brilliant!”
Abigail Lawson, 5 th Grade
Artwork
at
Columbia
Campus
“Kissfist”
Ariana Gousse, 5 th Grade
“Wonderful!”
Elinor O’Connor, 4 th Grade
Kandinsky’s Circles
Jackson Conway, 1 st Grade
Background by
Kindergarten Class
Van Gogh’s Community
Olivia’s Flower Store
Olivia Tiedemann, 3 rd Grade
“Pride”
Kenny Bissainthe, 8 th Grade
10 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Anaya McFall, Kindergarten
Shamari Wiggins, Kindergarten
Layla Summerlin, Kindergarten
artwork at
Frederick campus
Ryder Christenberry, Kindergarten
Blane Shank,
Kindergarten
The artwork on this door is made up
of three different murals. The students
painted those murals last year and this
year, Art teacher Bonnie Arnold cut them
up and put together on the door.
Maliyah Coleman, Kindergarten
Ayla Clark-Matta, Kindergarten
www.msd.edu 11

Around MSD
The Benefits of Deaf Camp Experiences
Research has shown that the majority
of deaf children are born into
hearing families, most of whom are
not fluent in American Sign Language
(ASL) nor knowledgeable about Deaf
culture. Thus, parents or guardians
are in a continuous quest to locate
opportunities that will enable their
children to develop and enhance skills
necessary for success both within and
outside of the educational setting. As
one such family, in addition to enrolling
our daughter, Sarah M. Harcum,
in the Maryland School for the Deaf
(MSD) – Columbia Campus at an early
age, we have sought out numerous
camping experiences for her.
Sarah has attended several Deaf
camps including Gallaudet University’s
speech camp, MSD’s summer programs,
and Deaf Camp, Inc.
Sarah particularly enjoyed
the Quest
TheatreBridge
camp hosted
by MSD-
C o l u m b i a
C a m p u s .
Through drama
and the program’s
end-ofthe-summer
performances,
Sarah improved
her ASL skills
in several areas,
including
the use of classifiers,
facial
expressions,
a n d m o u t h
morphemes.
As Sarah’s ASL
skills were enhanced,
she
became even
more confident
when expressing
herself.
Through this camp, she also increased
her social skills and made new friends.
For the past three years, Sarah
has been able to continue her camping
experiences by participating in
the Orioles camp at MSD-Frederick
Campus. Her participation will ensure
a smooth social transition when she
transfers to the Frederick Campus.
Sarah has developed friendships that
have endured beyond the camping experiences
and the benefits of incidental
learning as she has interacted with
Deaf peers from Deaf families and has
improved her ability to communicate
more effectively inside and outside of
the classroom.
For the past three years, Sarah
has also attended Deaf Camp, Inc., a
one-week residential program held at
Camp Manidokan in Knoxville, MD.
Kayaking, swimming, canoeing, plus
traditional camp activities make this
an experience no child would want
to miss. For children from hearing
families, this a total ASL immersion
experience!
Moreover, the MSD-Columbia
Campus Parent-Teacher-Counselor
Association (PTCA) provides scholarships,
so by supporting its fundraisers,
(such as the annual Haunted House
and the sale of MSD logo merchandise),
paying annual dues, or making
a donation, you too can help send a
child to camp.
Effective communication and socialization
skills are key components
for success, and the Deaf camping
experiences offered by MSD ensure
that Sarah will be prepared to function
as a successful Deaf adult.
—Alzenia Harcum, Past
President, PTCA
(L to R) Sabrina Firl, Catalene Sacchetti-Manganelli, Sarah Harcum, Nathan Sheppeck, Zion Ortiz, and Ethan
Sheppeck. This group was performing what they learned through the camp program.
12 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

MSD Hosts MSDE ELA State Briefing
On September 23, 2015, a team of MSD English/
ASL educators hosted the MSDE English
Language Arts (ELA) State Briefing meeting at
the MSD-Columbia campus. This is a quarterly
briefing focused on ELA events and updates from
around the state, as well as spotlighting a county
for any especially exciting developments in their
ELA program. The MSD team shared the recent
changes to the ELA programs on both campuses
related to reading, writing, and language development.
Approximately fifty literacy specialists
from counties across the state were briefed by
team members Lisa Pershan, Jennifer Dau, Joyce
Cohen-Scher, Jackie Guers, Cherie Zendarski,
and Roberta Daniels.
The MSD team of presenters was chosen based
on their work with a new writing curriculum and
familiarity with the Maryland State Department
of Education lesson plans. A number of teachers worked
over the summer to help develop a workable curriculum
for teaching writing throughout the grades. Teachers
were provided with materials from grades K-8 units of
study authored by Lucy Calkins and aligned them with
the Maryland State Education lesson plans.
Before presenting, the MSD team treated the attendees
to a tour around the campus which highlighted
various bilingual strategies, teacher-student interactions,
and technology used at MSD. MSDE participants visited
classrooms, asked questions, and were able to see deaf
Yard Sale
The Shockley House fall semester residents held a yard sale on September
24 th and 25 th with the goal of earning money to pay for new curtains and other
household items for the building. (L-R) Keh-Osha Foster, Shemardo Bartley,
Jasmine Woodruff, Haley Rhyanes, Jessica Roach, Elexis Belin, Teacher Jane
Redding, Teacher Aide Alfred Traurig
Around MSD
Jennifer Dau, MSD-Columbia’s Reading Specialist, presents to
Maryland English Langauge Arts supervisors about bilingual
education at the Maryland School for the Deaf.
education in action. The experience was eye-opening for
several literacy specialists who commented how impressed
they were with the program, the children, and the staff.
The forty-five minute presentation addressed the
strengths and challenges of applying the state lesson plans
in a bilingual environment. Attendees were impressed
with the commitment to rigorous educational practices
by MSD staff. After the meeting, two counties offered to
help with the expansion of the Maryland School for the
Deaf’s literacy program.
Maryland School for the Deaf-Columbia Campus
enjoyed the experience and looks forward to more sharing
opportunities in the future.
Many thanks are due to Jennifer
Yost-Ortiz, Kevin Strachan, Sue Hill,
and Roberta Daniels for their daily
support as well as to Judy Pfau, Jennifer
Thomas, Elizabeth Hill, and Jennifer
Ballard for their role in the success of
the writing program. These teachers
worked throughout the summer and
contributed their input and support
during the preparation of this presentation.
MSD looks forward to continued
collaboration with MSDE and counties
across the state. Keep an eye out for
future advancements in MSD’s English
Language Arts program!
—Jennifer Dau, Reading Specialist,
CC, jennnifer.dau@msd.edu
Lisa Pershan, Reading Specialist,
FC, lisa.pershan@msd.edu
www.msd.edu 13

Around MSD
SBG OFFICERS
Leaders at MSD, FC
BACK (L-R) Kary Krumdick (S B G
Sponsor), Caroline DeLaCruz (Senior Class
Representative), Kaitlyn Weeks (Junior
Class Representative), Gillian Lawrence
(Junior Class Representative), Cara Bielucke
(Sophomore Class Representative), Dana
Brooks (Sophomore Class Representative),
Brigitta Luttrel (Freshman Class
Representative), Latavia Roberts (Freshman
Class Representative) FRONT Anna Wood-
Jacobowitz (SBG Secretary), Mauricio
Orozzco (Vice-President), Seanna Guettler
(President), Isabella Walker (Secretary),
Gareth Hayes (Secretary of Dorm Affairs and
Communications) NOT PICTURED Davy
Bahan (Senior Class Representative), Jennida
Willoughby (Secretary of Academic Affairs).
STUDENT LEADERS
TOP (L-R) Adele Daniels, Tomi Lisoyi,
Kaitlyn Weeks, Davy Bahan, Paula
Front
Hare,
row
Advisor
from left
Terri
to right:
M. Dietz, DeBrian
John, Kaela Luttrell, Mauricio Orozco,
Bobga Tete, Rex Shephard
Juliana Bahan, Yave Sanchez BOTTOM
(need to change shirt color),
Liora Selzer, Rex Shephard, Eve Wood-
Malika Canada, Gareth Hayes,
Jacobowitz, Gillian Lawrence, Jihad
Kiser Holiday
Johnson, Anna Wood-Jacobowitz,
Gareth Hayes, Brooke Bonheyo,
Back Diamani row from McNeely, left to right: Caroline DeLaCruz.
Paula NOT hare, PICTURED Mauricio Alina Orozco, Kenina
Tamia Harris, Jihad Johnson,
Neshy Bravin (advisor), Thomas
Hamm, Samantha Ivon, Maverick
DORM LEADERS
TOP (L-R) Paula Hare, Mauricio
Orozco, Tamia Harris, Jihad
Johnson, Neshmayda Bravin
(advisor), Thomas Hamm,
Samantha Ivon, Maverick
Obermiller, Tomi Lisoyi BOTTOM
Bobga Tete, Rex Shephard,
Malika Canada, Gareth Hayes,
Kiser Holiday
14 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Around MSD
In October, Maryland School for the
Deaf-Frederick Campus celebrated
Red Ribbon Week to educate students
about the dangers of alcohol and
other drugs.
Red Ribbon Week is an annual
alcohol and drug prevention awareness
campaign started by the National
Family Partnership in 1986 in honor
of Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, an
American drug enforcement agent
who was killed in Mexico for his
efforts to prevent drug trafficking.
According to the National Family
Partnership, approximately 80 million
people participate in Red Ribbon
events every year.
To support the campaign, MSD
provided a variety of activities
throughout the week including providing
interactive displays and other
educational materials, touring the
Frederick County Detention Center,
conducting an alcohol and drug prevention
educational workshop, and
having a wrecked car parked on the
October is National Bullying
Prevention Awareness Month.
To signify its importance, STOMP
Out Bullying created an annual Blue
Shirt Day on the first Monday of every
October.
STOMP Out Bullying is a leading
national anti-bullying and cyberbullying
organization for children
and teens in the United States. Created
in 2005, the organization focuses on
reducing and preventing bullying,
cyber-bullying, sexting, and other
digital abuse. It also educates people
about homophobia, racism, and hatred
to help reduce school absenteeism and
Red Ribbon Week
The crashed car, displayed in the back of Faupel Hall Dorm during the Red Ribbon Week,
is to show the students the effects that drinking and driving could have on their lives.
campus. Many students participated
in the activities and made a personal
commitment to live a drug-free life
throughout the year.
deter violence in schools,
online, and in communities
across the country.
Recent statistics show
that 1 out of 4 children is
bullied; 9 out of 10 LGBT
students experience harassment
at school, up to
40% of children and teens
report being cyber-bullied,
and approximately 160,000
students stay home from
school each day due to the
fear of being bullied.
This year, Blue Shirt Day
fell during homecoming
week. Students and staff participated
by wearing a blue
shirt to support awareness.
Each awareness activity during the
month of October—and year round—is
one step closer to putting an end to
bullying.
—Neshmayda Bravin
Behavior Specialist,
neshmayda.bravin@msd.edu
—Neshmayda Bravin
Behavior Specialist,
neshmayda.bravin@msd.edu
www.msd.edu 15

Around MSD
2015 Haunted House at Columbia
This year’s Haunted House at the Columbia Campus,
held on October 29th and 30th, was not for the
superstitious! Set on the “Thirteenth Floor” of an
old dilapidated building, this two-night event drew over
550 visitors. Guests were “welcomed” by a host of frightening
workers, including the lobby receptionist, security
guard, maid, and more. After braving the “Thirteenth
Floor,” many were able to grab a bite to eat and unwind
in the gym where an assortment of festive games, handson
activities, and the Book Fair were offered.
With over a hundred volunteers and six weeks of
preparation, the Haunted House was indeed a success.
Thanks to the PTCA, planning committee, volunteers,
and all who supported this hair-raising/fund-raising
event. Proceeds from the Haunted House will be used
to help MSD students attend summer camp.
—Paul Fitzpatrick, ASL Specialist,
CC, paul.fitzpatrick@msd.edu
Rosemary Macias, Student Life Counselor,
CC, rosemary.macias@msd.edu
Haunted House Co-Chairs
The Family Education and Early Childhood Department
(FEECD) Staff/Minions provide safe and fun-filled activities
for the little ones.
Sean Gerwig, Sarah Harcum, and Ariana Gousse were all
smiles at the 2015 Haunted House.
Crayola and U.S. Department of Education
On September 16, MSD-Columbia Campus assistant
principals were invited to attend a luncheon workshop
at the U.S. Department of Education to learn more about
utilizing crayons to support professional development for
teachers. Yes, that’s right. Using crayons to support professional
development for teachers!
Throughout the hour and a half workshop, Crayola
markers, crayons, and water paint were used to discuss
how drawing, cutting, and painting can support teachers
as they learn how to leverage data to support what they
do in the classroom.
The workshop was very inspiring and eye-opening as
both Roberta Lynn Daniels, Elementary School Assistant
Principal, and Dr. Richard Jeffries, Middle School Assistant
Principal, learned how to make their professional development
activities and teacher meetings more fun through the
use of coloring and cutting activities. For instance, one of
the participants cut out a pattern of a long, winding stream
to show how data needs to flow from one level to another.
This pattern indicated the need for different departments
As a part of hands-on activity, Dr. Richard Jeffries is using
crayons to show how data affects daily instruction.
to communicate and share data with each other to ensure
that data flows from one department to the other without
any barriers. Participants discussed how barriers can
Continued on next page
Photo by U.S. Department of Education/Leslie Williams
16 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

The Junior Bulletin
Youth Empowerment Summit
From From August 3 through
August 9, 2015, Elexis Belin and
I participated in a program sponsored
by the National Black Deaf
Advocates (NBDA) called the Youth
Empowerment Summit or (Y.E.S!).
YES! is a summer program designed to
provide young black deaf and hard-ofhearing
adolescents between the ages
of thirteen and seventeen from across
the country with the tools they need
to develop the leadership and social
skills necessary to become successful
in the world around them. The
YES! program was held this year in
Louisville, Kentucky. The idea of the
Youth Empowerment Summit is that
black deaf and hard-of-hearing teens
attend a series of workshops and leadership
training programs throughout
the week while also meeting black
deaf adult role models and attending social events at the
NBDA conference being held at the same time.
We were driven to the conference by the MSD–
Frederick Campus Jr. BDA Sponsor, Ronnie Taylor, and
staff member Andre Burke, both members of the NBDA.
It took about twelve hours to drive from MSD to Kentucky.
When we arrived, Elexis and I were excited! We met many
other adolescents and black deaf staff members who were
leading our workshops. When we first arrived, we played
games and reviewed our schedule of events. YES! events
took place on the grounds of the University of Louisville,
and we stayed in their dormitories.
On the third day of our stay, we listened to various
speakers discuss the history of NBDA and then later went
to an amusement park called Kentucky Kingdom. We had
so much fun! On day five we boarded a large boat for the
Contributed by MSD Students
(L-R) Jr. BDA Sponsor Ronnie Taylor, Elexis Belin, Jihad Johnson, and MSD staff member
Andre Burke take part at the Youth Empowerment Summit.
NBDA party. We listened to speakers and then participated
in some crazy dancing. On Friday night, we attended the
Miss NBDA competition. The former queen of NBDA, an
MSD graduate, Ms. Chenae Laldee turned over her crown
to the new reigning queen. One exciting and unexpected
part of this event was when, at the end of the show, a staff
member from the YES! program Mr. Corey Burton asked
Ms. Chenae Laldee the 2014-2015 NBDA queen, to marry
him. She said—Yes!
Towards the end of our stay we continued to hear
speakers discuss a variety of topics about leadership and
attended an awards banquet. We learned so much yet had
a great deal of fun at the same time. We met new friends
from all over the country and made memories that we will
always treasure.
—Jihad Johnson (senior) and Elexis Belin (junior)
Crayola
Continued from previous page
impede departments from working
together, and they came up with ways
to improve student performance in a
collaborative way.
At the conclusion, Ms. Daniels
and Dr. Jeffries had the opportunity
to interact with their peers from other
schools around the area including
representatives from the Crayola
Education Engagement Program. The
participants were given the chance
to view some of the artwork developed
by students across the country
as a part of the U.S. Department
of Education initiative to promote
creativity among K-12 students and
to maintain Art Education as a part
of the daily school curriculum. In
the near future, Ms. Daniels and Dr.
Jeffries hope to incorporate art-driven
activities into professional development
at the Columbia Campus as a
way of diversifying some of the inhouse
training to make it more fun
for teachers and staff.
—Dr. Richard Jeffries, Assistant
Principal Middle School, CC,
richard.jeffries@msd.edu
Roberta Lynn Daniels, Assistant
Principal Elementary School, CC,
roberta.daniels@msd.edu
www.msd.edu 17

The Junior Bulletin
Contributed by MSD Students
Our YLC Experience
ast summer, three students
Lfrom MSD (Caroline DeLaCruz,
Alina Kenina, and Anna Wood-
Jacobowitz) were accepted to attend to
the month-long National Association
of the Deaf’s Youth Leadership Camp
(YLC) in Stayton, Oregon.
YLC is a marvelous, prestigious
camp. Throughout the month, we
campers learned a lot of new things
through many daily activities. We
also had classes every day throughout
month on leadership development
and social justice. Leadership development
taught us how to be better
leaders—and a lot of new vocabulary
words! The social justice class taught
us how to be fair with diverse people.
We realized how much we did not
know regarding types of “ism”s which
is important to recognize in order to
prevent stereotyping. Outdoor Living
Skills (OLS), Debate Time, Camp Bowl, and Evening
Program were a few of our other daily activities. Camp
Bowl asks critical trivia questions that teams have to
discuss and come up with an answer. Caroline reminiscences
that OLS was her favorite class; the class taught
basic outdoor skills like how to build a tent and how to
start a fire. Caroline also mentions that the last day of
camp hit everyone hard. We were all heartbroken because
we had made so many memories and new friends. After
only a month, we had become one big family. We will
always remember our strong bond.
Caroline has some words of advice for her fellow
students: “Although YLC is only a dot on your lifeline,
everyone should have this experience. It is something
that you will never forget. YLC is ‘champ’ for real! Go
for it and see for yourself. But don’t just take my word
for it.” Alina describes her experience at YLC as mindblowing.
“I savored every second I had at YLC, no matter
how hard it was or how much fun it was. I discovered so
much about myself, as a leader and as a person. I finally
understand what I’m capable of.” Alina’s words of advice:
“I definitely encourage every of you to go there and find
the same great experience we did. We cannot wait to find
out about your experiences.”
Caroline, Alina, and Anna agree that YLC taught
them how to get along with different kinds of people; it
Happy Campers
Caroline Delacruz, Alina Kenina, Anna Wood-Jacobowitz
was tough but worth it. With no internet for a month,
it felt like the ninety of us were the only people in the
world. It was interesting to be unplugged and experience
how different it is not to have a phone, laptop, or television,
and to be disconnected from social media. Without
those distractions, we shared, understood, bonded, and
laughed together throughout the month. We left with
tears in our eyes. Our month-long experience at YLC
will always remain in our hearts.
—YLC Campers, Caroline DeLaCruz (Senior),
Alina Kenina and Anna Wood-Jacobowitz (Juniors)
18 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Sportscope
Flag Football
TOP (L-R) Assistant Coach Billy Carter, Oluwakayode Onobiyi, Jonathan Guzman, Lance Norman, Head Coach Marty
Blomquist, Zachary Baldwin, Patrick Dowling, Justin Burke, Assistant Coach Susan Kaplan, Assistant Coach Dennis White
MIDDLE Anthony Quinteros, Shemardo Bartley, Asa Johnson, Zachary Foote, Sebastian Velata, Haley Rhyanes, Clinton
Kuwong FRONT Simone Proby, Diedra Davis
Soccer
TOP (L-R) Assistant Coach Laverne Francis, Assistant Coach Susan Kaplan, Shemardo Bartley, Simone Proby, Salia Stanback,
Lance Norman, Patrick Dowling, Oluwakayode Onobiyi, Assistant Coach Billy Carter, Head Coach Neshmayda Bravin FRONT
Ashley Thompson, Diedra Davis, Zachary Foote, Jonathan Guzman, Justin Burke, Haley Rhyanes
www.msd.edu 19

Sportscope For complete win/loss records, go to www.msd.edu
High School Volleyball
The Maryland School for the Deaf
2015 varsity volleyball team—Brooke
Bonheyo, Adele Daniels, Rajena Guettler,
Paula Hare, Tamia Harris, Karita Lewis,
Kaela Luttrell, Cassidy Perry, Freya
Seremeth, Isabella Walker, Kaitlyn
Weeks, and Eve Wood-Jacobowitz—captured
all three tournaments (Fall Classic,
Oriole Classic, and Spike Out) and
two league championships (Maryland
Independent Athletic Conference and
Independent-Parochial School League).
On Saturday, September 12 th ,
Maryland participated in the New
Life Fall Classic at New Life Christian
School. In the pool play Maryland
tied with Covenant Life and defeated
Legacy School and John Carroll
School. In the semi-finals, Maryland
rolled over Annapolis Area Christian
School to advance to the finals against
Covenant Life, topping them in two
sets, 25-19 and 25-12, for the championship
title.
MSD hosted its annual Oriole
Classic on Saturday, September 19th.
Maryland was 2-0-1 in its pool play.
In the semifinals Maryland beat
Islamic Saudi Academy, 2-0. In the
finals, Maryland defeated Heritage
Academy (who later won the Mason
Dixon Conference and the Maryland
State Christian Schools Tournament).
Adele Daniels was voted Most Valuable
Player, and Karita Lewis was selected
for the All-Tournament team.
On the weekend of October
2 nd , California School for the Deaf-
Fremont hosted Spike Out XVII.
Maryland continued its dominance,
beating California School for the Deaf-
Riverside, Minnesota State Academy
for the Deaf, and Model Secondary
School for the Deaf in the pool play.
In the quarterfinals, Maryland outplayed
Rochester School for the Deaf
and went on to conquer Texas School
for the Deaf in the semi-finals. In the
championship match, Maryland beat
Indiana School for the Deaf for the title.
Adele Daniels and Karita Lewis were
selected for the All-Tournament team.
On Friday, October 9 th , the
gymnasium was jam-packed for
the highlight match of the season
against defending 2A state champion
Oakdale High School where
Maryland swept Oakdale in three
sets, 25-21, 25-14, and 25-21.
Maryland was undefeated in the
Independent-Parochial School League
(IPSL). On October 22nd Maryland
came away with a victory over St. James
for their fifth straight IPSL championship
title with scores of 25-17, 25-12,
22-25, and 25-11.
On October 24 th Maryland defeated
Mount Airy Christian School
with a 25-16, 25-9, 25-16 win in the
Maryland Independent Athletic
Conference (MIAC) championship
match. Adele Daniels was chosen
VARSITY TOP (L-R) Assistant Coach Shana Lehmann, Assistant Coach Christine Rowinski, Head Coach Vicki Kitsembel, Assistant
Coach Krystle Berrigan MIDDLE Paula Hare, Tamia Harris, Kaitlyn Weeks, Kaela Luttrell, Karita Lewis, Isabella Walker, Adele
Daniels BOTTOM Eve Wood-Jacobowitz, Cassidy Perry, Freya Seremeth, Rajena Guettler, Brooke Bonheyo
20 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

as Most Valuable Player. Brooke
Bonheyo, Karita Lewis, and Kaitlyn
Weeks were selected for the All-
Tournament Team.
Maryland knocked off Frederick
High School, 3-0, to close out the season
with a 36-2-2 record. Deafdigestsports.
com and National Deaf Interscholastic
Athletic Association (NDIAA) selected
Maryland as the 2015 National
Champions—Maryland’s eleventh
national championship!
Senior Adele Daniels set two school
records for most kills in a set (13) and
most kills in a season (583). She also
led the team in digs with 311. Karita
Lewis led the team with 115 aces; she
had 295 kills and 265 digs.
It was a superlative season. The
coaching staff was very proud of the
team accomplishments this year. A
special thank you goes to the parents,
scorekeeper Norma Clapp, volunteers,
and others for their help and support
during the season. A generous thankyou
goes to seniors Daniels and Hare
for their contribution, leadership,
motivation, and passion. They will
be solely missed. Good luck on an
inspiring future!
The Junior Varsity volleyball
team—Cara Bielucke, Dana Brooks,
Lexi Bullock, Madison Givens,
Rajena Guettler, Tamia Harris,
Meghan Luebehusen, Brigitta
Luttrell, Marisa Montoya, Laina
Mull, Latavia Roberts, and Liora
Selzer—did very well this past season,
a season full of cheering, laughs, and
excitement. The girls worked hard
to achieve significant improvement
and came a long way from where
they were at the beginning of the
season. They played hard no matter
what the situation of the game, and,
by the end of the season; they had
developed into a skilled, cohesive
team. Coach Christine Rowinski,
Coach Krystle Berrigan, and Coach
Shana Lehmann enjoyed the talented,
dedicated girls and look forward to
next season.
—Vicki Kitsembel, Head Coach,
FC, vicki.kitsembel@msd.edu
Sportscope
IPSL All-League Team
Adele Daniels, Karita Lewis
MIAC All-Conference Team
First Team
Adele Daniels, Karita Lewis
Second Team
Brooke Bonheyo, Kaitlyn Weeks
Honorable Mention Team
Cassidy Perry
Deaf Digest
All American Team
Maryland, Team of the Year
Adele Daniels, Player of the Year
Vicki Kitsembel, Coach of the Year
All-American Team
Adele Daniels, Karita Lewis
Frederick News Post All Area
League Team
First Team
Adele Daniels
Second Team
TBA
Honorable Mention
TBA
NDIAA
Maryland, Team of the Year
Adele Daniels, Player of the Year
Vicki Kitsembel, Coach of the Year
First Team
Adele Daniels, Karita Lewis
Second Team
Brooke Bonheyo, Kaitlyn Weeks
Honorable Mention
Cassidy Perry
JUNIOR VARSITY TOP (L-R) Head Coach Christine Rowinski, Rajena Guettler, Meghan Luebehusen, Tamia Harris,
Cara Bielucke, Assistant Coach Shana Lehmann, and Assistant Coach Krystle Berrigan MIDDLE Latavia Roberts, Liora
Selzer, Lexi Bullock, Laina Mull, Madison Givens, and Dana Brooks BOTTOM Marisa Montoya and Brigitta Luttrell
www.msd.edu 21

Sportscope For complete win/loss records, go to www.msd.edu
The Maryland School for the Deaf
football team finished its 2015
season with a record of 10-1, tying
the school’s 2011 season record. The
Orioles started the season with high
expectations. Returning to the field
from the 2014 team were seven starters
on offense and eight starters on
defense. Last year, MSD won its first
national deaf prep championship
after a two-year drought, so this year
the boys knew what it would take to
win another crown. As a result, MSD
has been named the 2015 National
Deaf Prep Champions by both
the National Deaf Interscholastic
Athletic Association (NDIAA) and
Deafdigest.com—MSD’s twelfth
national championship!
During the course of the season,
Maryland defeated four teams with
.500 or better record and was only seven
points away from finishing undefeated.
After winning its first four games, the
High School Football
Orioles faced their toughest opponent
of the year—St. James. In 2014, they
beat MSD badly, 52-28. This year, the
team was determined to get their revenge.
After the third quarter, MSD
led 30-22, but St. James came back in
the fourth to outscore the Orioles 15-0
and win the game 37-30.
With the Texas School for the
Deaf game coming up right after St.
James, the team had no choice but
to regroup and bounce back quickly.
They flew to Austin, Texas, to face
the undefeated TSD football team.
In a game filled with hype, MSD
was looking to continue its winning
streak against schools for the deaf,
and TSD was looking to win its first
National Championship since 2000.
The Orioles dominated throughout
the game, winning 32-16. With MSD’s
stellar defensive linemen, the defense
held TSD’s running game to only 28
rushing yards.
The MSD football team continued
its successful season with an impressive
homecoming 42-8 victory over Northern
Virginia Kings. Then MSD had another
signature victory. After a fourteen-year
hiatus, the Orioles traveled to Hancock,
Maryland, to play against Hancock High
School. The Hancock team had gone to
the state playoffs in 2014 and came into
the game against MSD with a winning
record of 4-2. The fact that Hancock
had continually refused to play against
MSD for fourteen years was enough to
motivate the boys. The Orioles played
one of their best games of the year,
crushing Hancock 44-0.
After the Hancock victory, the
MSD Orioles had their best game offensively
against Chavez High School
in Washington, D.C. Despite dealing
with numerous penalties, the team
had 459 total yards (359 rushing and
100 passing yards). The Orioles also
accomplished a rare feat: Austin Latin
VARSITY TOP (L-R) Manager Jihad Johnson, Zeke Martinez, Jaylon Wilson, Tylique Gross, Maurice Braxton, Osayomore Ufumwen,
Rory Lewis, Jason Werner, Bobga Tete, Austin Wilson, Manager Ryan Carr MIDDLE Assistant Coach Andy Bonheyo, Assistant Coach
Mike Halloran, Assistant Coach Joshua Doudt, John Werner, Jr., Maverick Obermiller, Brady Perry, Egan Seremeth, Stefan Anderson,
Kiser Holiday, Connor Switenky, Jake Bortoletto, Assistant Coach Neal DiMarco, Head Coach Ryan Bonheyo BOTTOM Austin Latin,
DeBrian John, Mauricio Orozco, Diamani McNeely, Damon Biskupiak, Yave Sanchez, Rodney Burford, Alan Sullivan, Angelo Archibald
NOT PICTURED Davy Bahan
22 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Sportscope
ran for 210 yards, Brady Perry ran for
133 yards, and Damon Biskupiak threw
for 100 yards, all in the same game! A
week later on senior night, the Orioles
beat SEED School, 44-14.
In order to end the season with a
bang, the MSD football team flew to
St. Augustine, Florida, to take on the
Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.
The game was MSD’s final hurdle to
be recognized as the 2015 National
Champions. Throughout the week,
the coaches emphasized that the first
quarter would determine the game. The
boys executed the game plan flawlessly,
scoring twenty-four unanswered points
in the first quarter. At that point, the
game was essentially over. The final
score was 52-0. The team and their fans
were euphoric, but this final season
victory was bittersweet. The win over
FSDB sealed MSD’s status as the 2015
National Champions, but it was also
the seniors’ last game wearing orange
and black.
Clearly, the MSD football team
had a wildly successful 2015 season.
DeafDigest
Maryland, Team of the Year
Yave Sanchez, Player of the Year
Ryan Bonheyo, Coach of the Year
All-American Team
Damon Biskupiak
Rodney Burford
DeBrian John
Austin Latin
Diamani McNeely
Mauricio Orozco
Brady Perry
Yave Sanchez
John Werner, Jr.
Frederick News-Post All Area Team
First Team
TBA
Offensively, the Orioles would not
have accomplished as much as they
did without their stellar offensive linemen.
The team had 3,925 total yards
and scored 465 points.
Sophomore running back Brady
Perry led the team with 1,070 yards
and 15 touchdowns. He became the
third sophomore running back in
Second Team
TBA
Honorable Mention
TBA
NDIAA
Maryland, Team of the Year
Yave Sanchez, Player of the Year
First Team
Damon Biskupiak
Austin Latin
Diamani McNeely
Mauricio Orozco
Brady Perry
Yave Sanchez
John Werner, Jr.
Second Team
Rodney Burford, DeBrian John
school history to reach this milestone.
Brady also had 231 receiving yards, 3
receiving touchdowns. He also led the
team with 6 interceptions.
After rumbling for 1,110 yards as a
sophomore, running back Austin Latin
had a terrific junior year, rushing for
1,018 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns
Continued on page 25
JUNIOR VARSITY TOP (L-R) Zeke Martinez, Tylique Gross, Bobga Tete, Jason Werner, Rory Lewis, Austin Wilson, Maurice Braxton,
Jaylon Wilson BOTTOM Coach Andy Bonheyo, Osayomore Ufumwen, Stefan Anderson, Connor Switenky, Alan Sullivan, Kiser
Holiday, Coach Neal DiMarco
www.msd.edu 23

Sportscope For complete win/loss records, go to www.msd.edu
High School Cheerleaders
The Maryland School for the Deaf fall cheerleading
squad started their 2015 season with two new
coaches and nine cheerleaders. Head Coach
Dani Hernandez and Assistant Coach Jade
Sims selected Malika Canada and Carina
Traina as captains for the team with
Jamila Coons, Elexis Belin, Laiyoena
Branch, Kylie Frelich, Anna O’Brien,
Juan Martinez filling out the squad
and Kehosha Foster, manager.
In addition to cheering for
the football team, the squad had a
rewarding experience doing some
fundraising and volunteering.
They represented the MSD community
at the Color Run event held
at National Harbor in Fort Washington,
MD. They had fun chucking colored paint at
the runners and cheering for them. They plan to do
this again next year.
One fundraising project was conducting the 3rd
Annual Lil Orioles Cheerleading Clinic for younger
girls. The Lil Orioles cheerleading squad performed
chants and stunts during the Homecoming Pep Rally
and football games. In addition to the clinic, the girls
also hosted a car wash to raise funds.
Head Coach Dani Hernandez wants to thank her assistant,
Jade Sims, for her patience and dedication to the
cheerleading squad. Dani is also grateful for the continued
support from the MSD community and parents. Both
coaches are looking forward to a great winter season.
—Dani Hernandez, Head Coach,FC
TOP (L-R) Head Coach Dani Hernandez, Assistant Coach Jade Sims MIDDLE Manager Keh-Osha Foster, Elexis Belin, Juan
Martinez, Lai’Yonea Branch BOTTOM Kylie Frelich, Anna O’Brien, Malika Canada, Carina Traina, Jamila Coons
24 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Middle School Football
Sportscope
TOP (L-R) Assistant Coach Anthony Ortiz, Head Coach Kuschmider, Assistant Coach Brian Grossinger, Assistant Coach Kyle
Kuschmider THRID ROW Manager Alan Khamphouy, Tyler Dees, Nathan Sheppeck, Zion Ortiz, Skyler Renfrew, DeMontae
Joseph SECOND ROW Calvin Johnson, Peter Thang, Jamal Johnson, Gabriel Asante, Austin Baker, Jaden Joseph, Ethan Sheppeck,
Jovan Whitehurst BOTTOM Jamaal Porter, Joshua Downing, Joshua Wojnar, Amaree McKenstry, Miguel Pavao, Pacey Wilson,
Teddy Webster, Crosse Herpin NOT PICTURED Dakai Bryant
Football
Continued from page 23
despite battling injuries. For the first time since 2006, MSD
had two running backs with over 1,000 rushing yards.
As a second-year starting quarterback, senior Damon
Biskupiak was determined to lead the team on and off the
field. He had a terrific season, completing 52 percent of his
passes: 774 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. Damon’s
top target was junior tight end Rodney Burford who had
243 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. As a linebacker,
Rodney had 44 tackles.
Sophomore running back John Werner, Jr., has not
ceased to amaze the coaches. He finished the year with
621 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns. He also led the
team with 87 tackles as a middle linebacker.
Behind experienced defensive linemen, the Orioles
defense allowed only 101 points throughout the season.
Senior defensive lineman Yave Sanchez dominated on
the defense side with 68 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 forced
fumbles. Senior defensive lineman Diamani McNeely
had 34 tackles and 2 sacks despite missing three games
due to injury. Senior hard-hitting defensive back
Mauricio Orozco finished the year with 29 tackles and
3 interceptions.
MSD will bid farewell to nine seniors: Angelo Archibald,
Davy Bahan, Damon Biskupiak, Ryan Carr (manager), Jihad
Johnson (manager), Diamani McNeely, Mauricio Orozco,
Yave Sanchez, and Alan Sullivan.
MSD would not have had a successful season without
outstanding assistant coaches. Thanks to Joshua
Doudt (defensive coordinator), Andy Bonheyo (JV head
coach), Neal DiMarco (special teams coordinator), and
Mike Halloran.
—Ryan Bonheyo, FC, Head Coach,
ryan.bonheyo@msd.edu
www.msd.edu 25

Sportscope For complete win/loss records, go to www.msd.edu
Middle School Volleyball
VARSITY—TOP (L-R) Assistant Coach Amelia Grossinger, Ashlynn Cohen, Yireh Sanchez, Emily Nover, Brianna Mehan, Manager
Laniece Oliver, Head Coach Michele Muszynski BOTTOM Hanna Johnston-Shaw, Alyssa Glennon, Milana Bielucke, Kamri Gooding,
Thalia Guettler, Ariella Zfati NOT PICTURED Manager Paige Austin
JUNIOR VARSITY— TOP (L-R) Head Coach Amelia Grossinger, Jalina Dietz, Justina Miles, Estelina Kovacs, Alina Williamson,
Assistant Coach Michele Muszynski BOTTOM Alona Zfati, Sierra Herzig-Wilcox, Jeri Lombardo, Citrine Lummer, Ciara Luttrell
NOT PICTURED Justice Lambert, Manager Paige Austin, Manager Laniece Olive
26 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Alumni and Community News By Terri Monroe Dietz, ‘99, Editor, terri.dietz@msd.edu
MSD Foundation Hosts the
12 th Annual Golf Tournament
stunning fall
A day welcomed
participants to the
Twelfth Annual Golf
Tournament, hosted
by the Maryland
School for the Deaf
Foundation. This
year the tournament
was held
among the beautiful
surroundings of
Musket Ridge Golf
Club in Myersville,
Maryland.
Dr. Krupakar Paul Thadikonda of the Thadikonda
Research Foundation came forward for the fifth consecutive
year as the Presenting Sponsor. Silver Sponsors
were Regent Education, Shockley Honda, Kramer Wealth
Managers, First United Bank & Trust, Bray and Scarff,
Purple Communications, Petersens Carpet & Flooring,
and Maryland Relay.
The Civitan Club of Frederick, longtime supporters,
once again sponsored the now-familiar participation of an
MSD student team. Led by Jerry Mabashov, students Jiang
McConville, Rory Dietz, and Payne Frankowiak played a
great game. After the tournament, the first-time golfer Rory
concluded that “teamwork is very important in golf—along
with patience!” while returning golfer Jiang confirmed that
“golf is my new passion, and I will continue to practice golf
and become a better golfer!” Way to go MSD students; it is
always good to welcome you to the tournament!
Also very welcome were the more than one hundred
golfers who signed up to play, many of whom have become
tournament regulars. The MSD Foundation prides itself
on hosting a tournament which encompasses a great
day of golfing and camaraderie while supporting MSDF
fundraising goals.
Thanks to sponsors, players, donors, and volunteers,
the tournament was a huge success, earning in excess of
$39,000. Proceeds from the event have been added to the
Foundation’s fund to benefit MSD students. Funds will be
used to provide student scholarships, awards, computers,
and other learning enhancements.
Plans are already underway for the 2016 tournament.
Some exciting sponsorship offers have already been pledged
and Friday, September 16, 2016, is the tentative date for
the event. Further updates will be posted on the MSDF
website at: www.msd-foundation.org. MB
—Sarah-Jane Flook, Program Coordinator,
MSD Foundation, sarah@msd-foundation.org
Jerry Mabashov leads MSD students Jiang McConville, Payne
Frankowiak and Rory Dietz.
Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Maryland School for the Deaf
Foundation is to raise money to provide scholarships and
resources that enhance the education of MSD students.
The Foundation seeks to stimulate awareness about
MSD through community involvement while acting as
a responsible solicitor and prudent manager of assets
created by charitable gifts, bequests and fundraising.
www.MSD-Foundation.org
MSDF President Denise Phelps with tournament champions
George Dyess, Lee Kramer, Mike Baker and Brett Musser
www.msd.edu 27

Alumni and Community News By Terri Monroe Dietz, ‘99, Editor, terri.dietz@msd.edu
Lauren Wahl, MSD 2009,
and David Magnabosco wed James G. Hitchens, MSD 1961 Joseph A. Florance, MSD 1975
2009—Lauren (Wahl) Magnabosco
married her longtime boyfriend
David at the Belvedere Hotel in
Baltimore, Maryland, on February
8th, 2015. They met at the National
Technical Institute for the Deaf/
Rochester Institute of Technology,
and then relocated to Indiana where
David currently works for Kinney
Group, Inc., as part of their Visual
Communication department which
harnesses the power and promise of
information technology. Lauren is
working as a paraprofessional for the
Indiana School for the Deaf.
1961—James Gilbert Hitchens
passed away peacefully at the age
of 72 on October 14, 2015. Born on
January 9, 1943, in Delaware, James
graduated from the Maryland School
for the Deaf in 1961. During his time
at MSD, he was involved in a variety
of sports such as soccer, basketball,
and track, winning several awards.
He and his wife, Marie Hitchens,
lived in New York with their growing
family, eventually relocating to
Delaware where James worked as an
aircraft sheet metal specialist with
the U.S. Civil Service at Dover AFB,
retiring in 1996. James loved sports,
fishing, gardening, and being with
his family. He leaves behind his
son, John Delinois , and daughters
Linda Weeks, Judy Goddard, Susan
Hitchens, and Dorothy Hitchens,
along with grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
A celebration of life
service was held on October 21st at
Torbert Funeral Home.
1975—Joseph Anthony Florance
passed away on November 15, 2015 in
Frederick, MD. Joey was raised in St.
Mary’s, MD, before transferring to
the Maryland School for the Deaf. He
was preceded in death by his mother,
Eva (Purcell) Florance, father Lee
Florance, and brother Lee Florance,
Jr. Joey is survived by daughters
Dawn (John Keen) and MacKenzie
and grandchildren Austin and Rose.
A celebration of his life was held at
Christ Church, Port Republic. In lieu
of flowers, donations can be made
to Family Service Foundation in
memory of Joey Florance by sending
a check to Family Service Foundation,
5301 76th Avenue, Landover Hills,
MD, 20784.
Louise Pierson Johnson died
peacefully in her sleep of natural
causes on June 1st, 2015, at her home.
She attended Swarthmore High
School, Bucknell University, and
received her Master’s Degree in Deaf
Education from Peabody College.
She first taught deaf children at the
Kendall School on the campus of
Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet
University) and later at the Maryland
School for the Deaf. Louise was active
within her community as a member of
Merle Foley,
former MSD teacher
her choir and various other volunteer
organizations. The funeral took
place at First Presbyterian Church
of Annapolis. In lieu of flowers,
contributions can be made to First
Presbyterian Church of Annapolis or
to the Rude Ranch of Animal Rescue,
Harwood, MD. Online condolences
may be made at the John M. Taylor
Funeral Home.
Merle Foley, aged 80, of Surprise, AZ,
(formerly of Frederick, MD) passed
away on August 9, 2015. He is survived
by his wife, Eleanor Foley; his three
children, Mark, Myra, and Maureen
Foley; and five grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his first wife, Carolyn Foley,
who was a Home Economics teacher
at MSD. Mr. Foley graduated from
Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet
University) in 1960 and went on to
work at the Louisiana School for the
Deaf as a Graphic Arts teacher for two
years. He then joined the MSD in 1962
and taught graphic arts and involved
himself with the editing and printing
of The Maryland Bulletin with his
colleague Thomas McKenna. Mr. Foley
retired in 1995. A funeral mass for Mr.
Foley was held on August 14 at Prince
of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City,
AZ. A memorial gathering for friends
and family was held on September
26th at the Maryland School for the
Deaf-Frederick Campus. MB
28 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015

Porch Lamps from Old Main
Installed in the Bjorlee Museum
MSD Flashback
Please send news and pictures
of marriages, births, deaths,
anniversaries, awards, and
special occasions to the Alumni
and Community News editor.
James McKenen
(right) from Maintenance
installs porch
lamps on two interior
walls in the Bjorlee
Museum in September
2015. The lamps
used to belong to the
Old Main building
Terri Dietz at terri.dietz@msd.edu
or
Terri Dietz, Editor
Alumni and Community News
Maryland School for the Deaf
101 Clarke Place, PO Box 250
Frederick, MD 21705-0250
(below). MB 29
Please send your
old and new addresses to:
​The ​Old Main Building​or “Old Main” as it was commonly called​, was built
in 1870 and demolished in 1967​. “Old Main” ​faced west towards Market
Street​ and ​was located on the site where the Ely Building is now.
msdsupt@msd.edu
or
The Maryland Bulletin
c/o Address Changes
Maryland School for the Deaf
101 Clarke Place, PO Box 250
Frederick, MD 21705-0250
www.msd.edu 29

Alumni Profile
By Frank By Albert Rex Schwartz, Shepard, Lee Tharpe his Junior sonIII, Senior
Van Alden Sean Brewer, Clyde Markel ‘71 (MSD, E-1985)
Sean Markel as
a freshman in 1982
Born in Olney, Maryland,
in 1966, Sean Markel
comes from a large deaf
family with a long history
at MSD. His father,
Edwin Markel, graduated
from MSD in 1941, and
his paternal grandmother,
Sophia Measley, was educated
at MSD in the mid
1910s. Sean himself attended
the Maryland School for
the Deaf for twelve years,
transferring to the Model
Secondary School for the
Deaf (MSSD) for his last
three years of high school.
He then went to Gallaudet University where he majored
in Deaf Education and Communication Arts, graduating
with the class of 2000. While at Gallaudet, Mr. Markel was
very involved with the Student Body Government, serving
as class president his senior year. He was also an assistant
chairperson for the tenth anniversary of Deaf President
Now (DPN).
The Markel Family
Sean, Haley, Amy, and Valerie
Sean is a tireless advocate for the Deaf community.
In 1996, he was one of the founders of the Eastern Deaf
Timberfest event. He was twice chosen as chairperson for
the MSDAA reunion and served two terms as vice president
for the Maryland Association of the Deaf (1992 – 1999). In
1999, Sean received a special merit award from MDAD as
well as a congratulatory letter from then-governor Parris
N. Glendening in recognition of his outstanding work
with the Stadium Accessibility Advisory Committee. He
is currently serving on a task force for disability access at
the Baltimore Ravens and University of MD sports stadiums
which now provide closed captioning services for
Sean as a middle school football player at MSD in 1980
Sean signed the National Anthem at Oriole Park at Camden
Yards in Baltimore on August 19, 2015 before the New York
Mets and Orioles baseball game.
30 THE MARYLAND BULLETIN FALL 2015
www.msd.edu 30

Alumni Profile
fans on the big screen, thanks in large part to his efforts.
He is currently working with the Baltimore Orioles to
include closed captioning services there. Sean has been
the president of the MSD Alumni Association since 2012,
was twice chairperson for the MDAD conference, and is
currently heading up the Gallaudet Class of 2000 Alumni
Association. Signing the National Anthem at two recent
Baltimore Orioles games was a great honor as well.
In addition to his contributions, Sean is a family man.
He and his wife, Amy, who works at the U.S. Agency for
International Development in Washington D.C., have been
married for twenty-eight years. Sean cares for their two
hearing daughters, Valerie (fourteen) and Haley (twelve).
He has been a landlord for seventeen years. They have
enjoyed traveling to three Eastern European countries
where they learned about foreign cultures and various
native sign languages.
When asked about his time at MSD, Sean shared
some of his favorite memories. He loved to socialize with
friends during lunchtime around the table in the cafeteria.
He liked to play checkers and chess and spent evenings
outside playing Four King Corners. He was also involved
with the boy scouts. He recalls learning how to tie a rope
correctly, how to survive in the wild camping and cooking,
and how to perform first aid. He looked up to his mentors
John Woosley and Carl Frels.
Sean’s favorite subjects were Algebra I, woodshop, and
upholstery. He would like to acknowledge two special
teachers. The first, Rita Spencer who taught science, signed
very clearly, had a lot of energy for students, was very patient,
and was willing to invest a lot of time to make sure
students completely understood what they were learning.
The second is Martin O’Brien, Sean’s social studies teacher,
who told stories about history and helped students use their
imaginations to visualize events as if they were a movie.
While a student at MSD, Sean was involved with
drama and Jr. NAD where he learned to be a leader. Sean
would like to thank John Keeshan, his elementary dorm
counselor, for teaching him how to be a “fine young fellow”
and for encouraging him to participate in various clubs
and activities. He would not be who he is today if not for
Mr. Keeshan.
As for MSD athletics, Sean was the captain of the football
team as well as a basketball player during middle and
high school. He remembers two special coaches, Jerry Bush
and Delmas Woodall, who did not accept any mistakes or
excuses during practices and who made sure he did things
right. They both taught him to become a good athlete.
His advice to MSD students is “Study well and be humble.
Respect each other.” He strongly recommends that students
attend either Gallaudet University or National Technology
Institute for the Deaf after graduation. MB 31
As most members of the Maryland Deaf
Brittany Williams, MSD 2006, Appears
community know by now, Nyle DiMarco,
MSD Class of 2007, is competing in America’s on the America’s Next Top Model Show
Next Top Model. This past fall, Brittany
Williams, MSD Class of 2006, got to be a
part of his journey to stardom.
Brittany explains, “Last September
(2015), I got an email from an assistant to
the executive producer. Basically, Nyle had
won the best photo that week which entitled
him to a treat. They decided to throw him a
silent cocktail party where there was a Sign
Language lesson for twenty minutes after
which all the models would only communicate
via non-verbal communication; that was
where I came in. I was invited to the party so
Nyle would be able to talk to a close friend in
his own language. I was also there to educate
the models about Nyle’s and my culture as
(L-R) Nyle DiMarco, Brittany Williams (MSD, 2006),
members of the Deaf community.” MB Ashley Molina, Devin Clark, Mikey Heverly
www.msd.edu

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
David Martin
President
Julie Bourne
Vice-President
Roslyn Hannibal-Booker
Secretary
Dennis Galvan, Ph.D.
Treasurer
Benjamin B. Bahan, Ph.D.
Sheryl B. Cooper, Ph.D.
John Ertel, Ph.D.
Ricardo A. Hernandez, Ph.D.
Stephen Hlibok
Robin Kittleman
Cynthia Neese-Bailes, Ph.D.
Debra Patkin, Esquire
Denise Perdue
Jennifer Smart, Ph.D.
Executive Committee
David Martin, Chair
Julie Bourne
Roslyn Hannibal-Booker
Dennis Galvan, Ph.D.
Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.
Sheryl Cooper, Ph.D.
ADMINISTRATION
James E. Tucker
Superintendent
Jennifer Lake
Executive Associate
Gay Fout
Administrative Aide/Receptionist
Suzanne Schwertman
Chief Operating Officer
Frank Kuckles
Fiscal Administrator
Kim Doyle
Fiscal Officer
Anthony Middleton
Procurement Officer
Kathleen Charles
Agency Buyer
Debra Highland
Business Services Manager
Terry Spesick
Supply Officer
Trudy King
Fiscal Accounts Clerk Supervisor
Christina Privitera
Accounts Payable Clerk
Joseph Anthony
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
H. Scott Hughes
Computer Network Specialist Lead
David G. Inouye, Don Lee,
Alex Simmons
Computer Network Specialists
Paul Ritenour, Sr.
Data Processing Analyst
Laurie Shah
Health and Safety Officer
Anny Currin
Director of Personnel Services
Cyndi Fries
Assistant Personnel Director
Kay Spriggs
Personnel Officer
Dan Hicks, Nancy Probey,
Emily Hicks
Personnel Associates
Stacey Bundy
Director of Student Achievement
Lisa Brinks, Ph.D.
Director of Assessment and Data
Caitlin Blake
Interim Director of
Enhanced Program
Erin Buck Skees
Outreach Coordinator
Myra Foley
Interpreter Scheduler
Amy Mowl
Grant Writer
Larry Newman
Public Affairs Specialist
Cheri Dowling
Partners for Success Coordinator
Carl A. Robin
Curator, Hessian Barracks
COLUMBIA CAMPUS
Jennifer Yost Ortiz
Assistant Superintendent/
Principal
Deborah Marquez
Assistant Principal, Family Education
Roberta Lynn Daniels
Assistant Principal, Elementary
Richard Jeffries, Ph.D.
Assistant Principal, Middle School
Joseph Smail, Ph.D.
Director of Admissions and
Behavorial Support/
School Psychologist
Julie Tibbitt
Assessment and Data Specialist
Jennifer Mertes, Ph.D.
Director of Related Services
Laura Riddell
IEP Coordinator
Ayanna Barrows, Amanda Beneke,
Rebecca O’Mara
Speech Language Pathologists
Michelle Bode
Audiologist
Maranda Maurer
Teacher Specialist
Jennifer Dau
Reading Specialist
Paul Fitzpatrick
ASL Specialist
Shannon Negussie
Library Media Specialist
Linda Stoltz
Director of
Residential Life Program
Jason Johnson
Residential and Youth Care
Practitioner Supervisor
Samantha Brooks
Administrative Assistant
Iantha Dean
Transportation Coordinator/
Administrative Aide
Elise Dawkins, Micia White
Secretaries
Peggy Dell, Sandy Resch,
Debra Hill, Carrie Shortt
Clerical Aides
FACULTY
Michelle Ailstock
Suzi Behun
Peggy Bruce
Janell Bunn-Verdin
Estella Bustamante
Joyce Cohen-Scher
Megan Conaghan
Anne Drechsler
Hannah Elie
Joy Fraychineaud
Georginia Fitzpatrick
Mary Fooks
Joanne Geppert
Nicole Goldberg
Jackie Guers
Carina Hed Edington
David Hirsch
Michelle Holly
Min Ja Jung
Tonya Killam
Russell Koenig
Sabrina Koenig
Patricia Muldowney
Jessica Novak
Stacey Pedersen
Ursa Rewolinski
Mary Ann Richmond
Lisa Skaggs
Mary Skinner
Rachel Steingieser
Jennifer Willis
TEACHER AIDES
Stella Antonio
Carol Baker
Pamela Campbell
Valeria Campos
Yolanda Colston
Stephen Covington
Donna Derkowski
Gail Fine
Andrew Francis
LaShonda Gibson
Karen Golshiri
Kevin Hall
Marie Harrison
Dianne Kirby
Christine Lawn
Shelby Leilich
Carolyn Markel
Mary Jo Palmisano
Rosa Portillo
Cheryl Rasel
Alma Rivera
Leslie Schilling
Teresa Scotton
Damon Sparrow
Karen Steele
Jenica vonGarrel
Karen Whittaker
Crystal Woods
Jeanine Zwick
RESIDENTIAL CHILD
AND YOUTH CARE
PRACTITIONERS
Jeff Blanco
Latasha Canady
Yolanda Colston
Dennis Cruz
Marcus Daniels
Jovita Douglas-Ngatha
Breeann Fox
Kevin Gahagan
Debra Goldberg
Brian Grossinger
Rosemary Macias
Joshua Maugh
Randy McCarty
Sharyl Mapp
Erin Quigley
Ruben Santiago
Terry Tabor
Salafunmilayo Thorne
Jessica Tuitt
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Karin Polzin
School Counselor/Coordinator
Margaret Pierce
Social Worker
Tajudeen Akinlotan,
Lawrence Cohen,
Dane Colbert
Behavior Specialists
MEDICAL
Alyssa Myers, R.N., R.N.
Supervisor
Katrina Castle, LPN
Elfreda McNair, R.N.
Theresa Sipes, LPN
Linda Senula, O.T.
Elaine Persons, R.P.T.
PLANT OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE
Charles Bazzle
Maintenance Supervisor
Shellene Bishop
Housekeeping Supervisor
Luis Pages
Maintenance Chief
Larry Fellows
Plumber
Mikael Lundquist, Brandon Moore
Maintenance Mechanics
Tyler Wicker
Courier
Treynel Winston
Electrician
Catherine Baptiste
Lewis Barnhart
Adolfo Ceballos
Brenda Hammond
Millie Kirby
Isaiah Smith
Bonnita Thompson
Building Service Workers
NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
Latrina Wallace,
Food Service Supervisor
Lynette Johnson
Food Service Manager
Aaron Bratton, Teon Foster
Sabrina Gladden, Edith Herrera
Food Service Workers
FREDERICK CAMPUS
G. Kevin Strachan
Assistant Superintendent/
Principal
Lori Bonheyo
Dean of Student Affairs

Theresa Napoli
Director of
Admissions and Counseling
Lori Moers
Assistant Principal, Family Education
B. Sue Hill
Assistant Principal, Elementary
Tara Holloway
Assistant Principal, Middle School
Bonnie Kramer
Assistant Principal,
High School
Tara Finkle
CTE Team Leader
Jennifer Weeks
Team Leader,
Transition Program &
Work-To-Learn
Charlene Ward-Marr,
Mark Denton
IEP Coordinators
Sara D. Ryan,
AuD, CCC-A, Ph.D.
Director of
Related Services
Michelle Bode, Ph.D.
Audiologist
Gussie Belisario, Michelle Crisafulli,
Elizabeth Damazo, Paige Gardner,
Lisa Gastelle, Stacie Warner
Speech Language Pathologists
Andrew Bonheyo
Athletic Director
Touria Ouahid-Boren
Assistant Athletic Director
Mathis Hediger II
Team Leader, Physical Education
Joseph Fritsch
Athletic Trainer
Peter Badavas
Athletic Operations Coordinator
Lisa Pershan
Reading Specialist
Trudy Jo Carson
Elementary Librarian
Vicki Kitsembel
High School Program
Coordinator
Rex Moers
Director of
Residential Life Program
Lauren Buchko,
James DeStefano,
Susan Luttrell-Jordan,
Cliff Geffen, Christopher
vonGarrel
Residential Child and
Youth Care Practitioner
Supervisors
Donna Vogeler
Student Database Manager
Kathleen Baker, Carolyn Hediger,
Amelia Pro
Secretaries
Rachel Balogh, Sheryl Berrigan,
Penelope Miller,
Michele Muszynski,
Winifred Pryor,
Lisa Schwarzenberger,
Cheri Winnings
Clerical Aides
FACULTY
Amanda Aillon
Zuhair Alsaegh
Amanda Amati
Laurie Anderson
Bonnie Arnold
Jenny Ballard
Richard Ballard
Lynn Ballard-Weiner
Randee Bickford
Sherry Bradley-Koo
Van Brewer
Laura Brown
Leigh Clapp
Jason Coleman
Tamara Coleman
Jonathan Craig
Rosy DeLaCruz
Neal DiMarco
Calvin Doudt
Joshua Doudt
Rachel Doudt
Andrea Feldman
Peter Feldman
Amanda Fine
Leslie Firl
Angie Geffen
Andrea Guettler
Sara Lee Herzig
Elizabeth Hill
Ann Hirsch
Sarah Hurd
Kamilla Jakubowyc
Edna F. Johnston
Cathleen Kettler
Kary Krumdick
Robyn Lafferty
Shana Lehmann
Robert Lewis
Jolene Whaley Luttrell
Eric Mansfield
Steve Mathers
Janet Mertz-Witczak
Deeadra Morrison
Connie Nagy
Dyan Newman
Keith Nolan
Cameron Overs
Dina Padden
Kami Padden
Judy Pfau
Jane Redding
Nancy Robitaille
Kimberly Rogers
Abbey Roin-Thigpen
Paul Roult
Christine Rowinski
Randall Shank
Cynthia Stieffenhofer
Jennifer Thomas
Bonnie VanBuskirk
Regina Wade
Jeffrey White
Amanda Willard
Jessica Willoughby
Cherie Zendarski
TEACHER AIDES
Maribel Aponte-Ortiz
Barbara Ballard
Trude Buck
Andre Burke
Jimmy Butler
Yolette Cohen
Deborah Cumberland
Rosemary Docktor
Tamara J. Ellis
Deanna Gibson
Kelly Green
Amelia Grossinger
John Jones
Joseph Jordan, Jr.
Thomas Korn
Renee Krotche
Diane Kubey-Dunn
Tom Luttrell
Jerry Mabashov
Bobbie McLaughlin
Gail Mitchell
Gertrude Morita
Todd Newman
Jane Nowalski
Judd Rexroth
Ronnie Robinson
Sallie Romano
Hillary Rosko
Kevin Sanderlin
Denise Sansonese
Nicole Sizemore-Smith
Barbara Smith
Ronnie Taylor
Alfred Traurig
Eric Woods
RESIDENTIAL CHILD
AND YOUTH CARE
PRACTITIONERS
Susan Angell
Colleen Biskupiak
Linda Biskupiak
Martin Blomquist III
Eren Boden
Aaron Bowman
Diane Brewer
Susan Brooks
Robin Burrhus
Billy Carter
Michael Chappelle, Sr.
DeMarco Cox
Dale Dees
Valerie Depcik-Perry
Michael Dunn
Laverne Francis
Maria Gardner
Michael Gardner
Theresa Marie Glaser
Mitch Goldberg
Gerard Joseph
Susan Kaplan
Mike Kent
Ewa Kowalewska
Katelyn McDonald
Jennifer Miller-Barron
Thomas Noh
George Papazis
Jose Pavao
Stacey Pavao
Giovanni Pelini
Scott Perkins
Gary Phillips
Wendell Pratt
Larry Reedy
Jessica Schulte
Haley Solomon
Lisa Velez
Timothy Vogeler
Claudine Wanzer-Fehr
John Dennis White
David Wilcox
Justin Wilson
Gayle Woodyard
TRANSITION
COORDINATORS
Krystle Berrigan,
KC Russell-Christy
WORK-TO-LEARN
Scott Morrison
EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS
Chris McQuaid
BEHAVIOR SPECIALISTS
Neshmayda Bravin
Terri Dietz
Tanya Perry
Vance Rewolinski
Kelly Sicard
STUDENT SUPPORT
SERVICES
Della B. Hager
Guidance Counselor
Tamara Majocha
Marjorie Sonnenstrahl
School Counselors
Nancy Lewis, Ph.D.
Mental Health Counselor
Lisa Smith
Social Worker
Kiran Iqbal, M.D.
Mental Health Consultant
MEDICAL
Jane Cassidy, R.N.
Director of Nursing
Sajjad Aziz, M.D.
Marissa Clopper, PA-C.
Patricia Fogle, R.N.
Leesa King, R.N.
Erin McCoy, OTR/L
Jacqueline Tota, R.N.
Robin Weinrich, R.N.
PLANT OPERATIONS
AND MAINTENANCE
Harry A. Hughes
Maintenance Supervisor
Stephen Allison
Maintenance Chief
Wayne Smith
Housekeeping Supervisor
Debbie Rice
Secretary
Richard Gann, Mitchel LeQuire,
James McKenen, Gary Milburn,
Robert Trice, Timothy Unglebower,
Donald Williams
Maintenance Mechanics
Alton Ambush, Kimberly Ambush
Brian Brown, Kevin Davis
Linda Green, Maria Meraz
Richard Rosensteel,
Agnes Strakonsky
Building Service Workers
NUTRITIONAL SERVICES
Amy Stouffer
Administrator
Terry Burnstad, David Main
Renee Noel
Food Service Supervisors
David Olson
Clerk
Barbara Adcock, David Broggin, Jr.
Cathy Capino, Deborah Fitzgerald
Bonita Goodwin, Susan Morgan
Connie Nikirk, Grace Wilson
Y. Sheron Wilson
Food Service Workers

THE MARYLAND BULLETIN
Maryland School for the Deaf
101 Clarke Place, P.O. Box 250
Frederick, Maryland 21705-0250
Change Service Requested
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Frederick, MD
PERMIT No. 575
2015 Homecoming Royalty
2015 Homecoming Queen Adele Daniels and King Diamani McNeely (middle) are flanked by the members
of the Royalty: BACK (L-R) Freya Seremeth, Brady Perry (Sophomores); Paula Hare, Gareth Hayes
(Seniors); Kaitlyn Weeks, Egan Seremeth (Juniors); Marisa Montoya, Jason Werner (Freshmen)
FRONT Crown bearers Mika Kenin and Emma Le (Kindergarteners)